@DG how so? Most likely it will be superseded by the next Xbox so unless MS are going to allow some sort of upgrade path (not likely) or make the X the base for next gen (possible given the idea of a "family" of devices) getting an X to future proof does not seem like a good idea.

Review

Bird Box

The bird is the word.

Netflix has a rocky history when it comes to their exclusively produced films. While their series mostly come with a certain level of quality, their movies don’t often land the mark. Last year’s Bright was a bit of a misfire despite baring an interesting concept, which is what could also be said about Bird Box, a new supernatural thriller revolving around mass suicide by way of a mysterious, unseen force. If that sounds familiar, you may be thinking of an M. Night Shyamalan movie, but we’ll get to that in a bit.

Bird Box takes place five years after a mysterious, unseen force – which we come to learn are actually invisible demonic creatures – causes people who gaze upon them to violently commit suicide. The film hops between past and present, following our lead character, Malorie (played by Sandra Bullock), struggling to come to terms with her newborn child while also attempting to survive the harsh new apocalyptic world. It’s a great concept on paper, but its execution is a middling affair.

Director Susanne Bier adapts a pretty compelling novel of the same name from Josh Malerman, though fails to capture that resounding sense of dread and hopelessness that permeates through each word. Instead, Bier spends most of her time developing Malorie as a sympathetic character despite everything in the first half-hour suggesting just the opposite – which brings me to my first flaw. Malorie is brilliantly acted by Bullock, though struggles to find consistency with her own character. She’s initially perceived to be a strong-willed woman with a bleak outlook on life who prefers to spend most of her time alone, though this character trait is never really explored to its fullest. The problem with Bird Box is that it sets up compelling character threads across its wide cast, yet never doubles down on them, taking us out of being emotionally invested in their plights.

Despite Malkovich and Bullock being the standout stars, they’re still somehow drowned out by a group of bland characters...

This is exemplified with John Malkovich, who plays one of the most obnoxious old men I think I’ve ever seen in recent memory (but I guess that’s his own stereotype). We’re supposed to feel sympathetic for him too because of situational circumstances, yet the movie never does anything to elevate its characters above the very unseen demons that antagonize them. Despite Malkovich and Bullock being the standout stars, they’re still somehow drowned out by a group of bland characters who aimlessly wander in and out of the story when it’s convenient for the plot (sorry, Jacki Weaver). The acting is serviceable, but it isn’t going to win the cast any awards.

To address the elephant in the room, Bird Box is quite similar in concept to last year’s A Quiet Place, though lacks any of the finesse and stylistic choices that made John Krasinski’s horror masterpiece so effectively chilling. Instead of being unable to make noise, the characters in Bird Box are unable to see, so they walk around blindfolded for a good chunk of the running time. Somehow, very little tension is actually wringed from this awesome idea. Visually, Bird Box could’ve featured some white-knuckled moments of genuine tension, but only packs a handful of great scenes that are unfortunately few and far between. Many of these great moments only happen in the third act of the film, though, so you’re stuck with a messy and unevenly paced first and second act that feels like starting up a cold car in the morning by making the loudest noise without actually going anywhere.

Bird Box tries its hardest to replicate that same morbid shock factor [of The Happening], but falls flat because it doesn’t understand how to set up those scenes effectively.

However, A Quiet Place is actually far from the most apt comparison. M. Night Shyamalan’s The Happening shares a lot more commonalities with Bird Box, including the central plot point of mass suicides by way of an invisible villain. Granted, The Happening never really pulled off this concept well either, but it at least had Shyamalan’s signature haunting atmosphere and some creatively constructed suicide sequences that admittedly sent shivers down my spine. Bird Box tries its hardest to replicate that same morbid shock factor, but falls flat because it doesn’t understand how to set up those scenes effectively. There are attempts to build suspense, and when it succeeds, it’s done remarkably well, though it simply can’t escape the shortcomings of its wonky story and characters.

On the plus side, Bird Box does have some good buried beneath its flaws. As previously mentioned, the third act of the film does pack some great scares and powerful tension. The limitations of its tight budget forced the filmmakers to construct ways in which the demons could make their presence known, and even though they’re cleverly masked – with their movement only seen through the shifting of trees and leaves – it’s seriously hard-hitting thrills that reminds me how low-budget horror could creatively spin its ideas to squeeze the most out of them. Bullock shines her brightest here in the finale too, delivering a great, emotional performance that brings her character arc (at least in relation to one aspect) full circle. It all culminates in a final chase sequence that’s riveting, but the final moments are a tad bit predictable because we’ve seen this ending done countless times before. For example, I Am Legend.

Bird Box sports a conceptually intriguing narrative with all the potential in the world for effectively creepy moments. Unfortunately, it can’t seem to find an identity of its own. It’s evident that the film heavily borrows from the likes of A Quiet Place and The Happening (as well as numerous other post-apocalyptic movies), yet can’t seem to piece those influences together in a cohesive package. The final moments of the film are great, but it doesn’t excuse the fact that Bird Box is contrived, quite silly at the worst of times, and thrilling at the best. It’s worth the watch if you have nothing else to buy your time; but that time would probably be better spent getting drunk and watching Mark Wahlberg go on about the bees dying again. Take an interest in science!